Kiora, the Rising TideHow it works & interactions with other cards

Filtering the Depths

When Kiora, the Rising Tide enters the battlefield, her first ability triggers, allowing you to draw two cards and then discard two cards. This is a mandatory effect that helps you dig for answers while simultaneously fueling your graveyard. Because this happens immediately upon entry, it is the perfect way to reach the seven-card requirement for her Threshold ability before your next combat phase.

Mastering Threshold

The Threshold ability on Kiora is an 'intervening if' clause. This means the game checks if you have seven or more cards in your graveyard at two specific moments: first, when she is declared as an attacker to see if the ability triggers at all, and second, when the ability attempts to resolve. If your opponent removes cards from your graveyard in response to the trigger and you fall below seven cards, you will not get your Octopus token.

Managing Legends

It is vital to remember that Scion of the Deep is a legendary creature token. While Kiora can attack multiple times across different turns, you cannot have two tokens named Scion of the Deep on the battlefield simultaneously due to the 'Legend Rule.' If you create a second one, you must choose one to keep and put the other into your graveyard.

When to Cast Kiora

Kiora is most effective when played in the mid-game. If you already have five or six cards in your graveyard, her enters-the-battlefield trigger can instantly push you to seven cards, making her an immediate threat for the following turn. Since she only has 3 toughness, ensure you have a clear path or a way to protect her before sending her into combat to trigger the Threshold effect.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Tide

Kiora, the Rising TideRoaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Merfolk,' Kiora's abilities trigger twice. When she enters, you draw two and discard two, then do it again, putting four cards total into your graveyard. When she attacks with Threshold active, you get two triggers to create Scion of the Deep. However, since the token is legendary, you will have to put one into the graveyard immediately after the second trigger resolves.

Building the Graveyard

Kiora, the Rising TideSolemn Simulacrum

If you have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield and it dies, its trigger draws you a card and the creature card goes to the graveyard. This counts as one card toward Threshold. When you subsequently play Kiora, the Rising Tide, you draw and discard, adding two more cards to the graveyard. By combining these effects, you quickly reach the seven-card threshold required to summon the Scion of the Deep.

The Scion Arrives

Kiora, the Rising TideScion of the Deep

Once Kiora, the Rising Tide attacks while you have seven cards in your graveyard, the Threshold ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you create Scion of the Deep. This 8/8 token does not enter the battlefield attacking because the ability doesn't specify that it does; instead, it provides a massive blocker for the next turn or a huge attacker for your following combat phase.